Michigan Wildflower Mix
The Michigan Blend contains a variety of native wildflowers that are formulated specifically for growing in Michigan and midwestern climates. This wildflower mix contains flowers native to or naturalized to Michigan.
Sowing the seeds
Sand should be added to wildflower mixes that do not have filler already mixed in. Sand will help spread seeds better without clumps and can be seen better to aid in spreading. with sand for better visibilty and scatter the seeds directly on top of the soil
After the seeds has been spread out they should be lighly compressing into the soil, making sure not to bury them but compressed enough so rain and wind will not move.
It is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings are about 4-6″ tall. After that, the seedlings will survive on natural rains. During dry weather the occasional watering will help. Do not let soil dry out while they are seedlings are this will kill the plants.
Mix includes:
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea); Scarlet Flax (Linum grandiflorum rubrum); Annual Candytuft (Iberis umbellata); Dwarf Blue Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus); Lance Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata); Annual Baby’s breath (Gypsophila elegans); Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella); ‘Alaska’ Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum); Purple Praire Clover (Dalea purpurea); Mixed Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas mixed); Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis); Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta); Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera); Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
Roadside Mix of Forbs and Grasses
A mix designed to stabilize an exposed area with a bit of color. This mix is for primarily full sun and dryland soil types, including sand and gravel.
Sowing instructions:
Prepare the area by raking so that about 50% of the soil surface is showing. Scarify it only an inch or so; if you go deeper it will encourage weed growth. You'll want the seeds to touch the soil, but not bury them deeply. Sprinkle the seeds, then lightly tamp them down with hands or walking on the area. Watering is not necessary but will speed germination and establishment.
Scientific Name, Common Name
Forbs - Achillea millefolium, Yarrow; Asclepias syriaca, Common Milkweed; Coreopsis lanceolata, Sand Tickseed; Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower; Heliopsis helianthoides, False Sunflower; Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamot; Ratibida pinnata, Yellow Coneflower; Rudbeckia hirta, Black-eyed Susan; Rudbeckia triloba, Three-lobed Coneflower; Silphium integrifolium, Rosin Weed; Solidago rigida, Stiff Goldenrod; Symphyotrichum oolentangiensis, Prairie Heart-leaved Aster.
Grasses - Elymus canadensis, Canada Wild-Rye
Schizachyrium scoparius, Little Bluestem
Save the Bees Wildflower Collection
From Nature and Nurture Seeds, this mix of flowers includes: Beebalm (Monarda fistulosa); Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata); Hairy Beard-tongue (Penstemon hirsutus); Tall Coreopsis (Coreopsis tripteris); Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis); Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia Siphilitica); Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum); Joe Pye Weed (Eupatorium maculatum); Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa); Smooth Aster, (Aster laevis).
Growing:
This mix require a “cold stratification” or cold treatment before they will germinate.
Choose one of 3 options: 1) sow seeds outside before March 1st. 2) mix the seeds into ½ cup of moist sand in a sealed plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. 3) Plant the seeds in the fall so they are naturally exposed to the cold & will germinate the following spring/summer. More information: Growing.
Songbird Mix
A collection of beautiful flowers and grasses that birds and pollinators find attractive.
Sowing instructions:
Prepare the area by raking so that about 50% of the soil surface is showing. Scarify it only an inch or so; if you go deeper it will encourage weed growth. You'll want the seeds to touch the soil, but not bury them deeply. Sprinkle the seeds, then lightly tamp them down with hands or walking on the area. Watering is not necessary but will speed germination and establishment.
Mix includes:
Scientific Name, Common Name;
Forbs - Aquilegia canadensis, Wild Columbine; Coreopsis lanceolata, Sand Tickseed; Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower; Monarda fistulosa, Wild Bergamot; Penstemon digitalis, Foxglove Beard-Tongue; Ratibida pinnata, Yellow Coneflower; Rudbeckia hirta; Black-eyed Susan; Silphium integrifolium; Rosin Weed; Silphium perfoliatum; Cupplant; Silphium terebinthinaceum; Prairie Dock; Solidago rigida; Stiff Goldenrod; Symphyotrichum laeve, Smooth Aster; Symphyotrichum novae-angliae, New England Aster
Grasses - Panicum virgatum, Switch Grass; Sorghastrum nutans, Indian Grass
Tall Climbing Mix Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Tall winding plants that grow to 4–6', sprouting flowers in red, orange, gold and exquisite bicolor shades. The red blossoms have a spicier taste than those of lighter colors. Plants will spread and fill in a huge space but as they haven't tendrils cannot easily climb, but drape.
Growing days: 65
Start seeds indoors between mid-April and the fist of May. Transplant after overnight temperatures are above 50°. Plant them ~10" apart.
Or, direct sow outdoors after last frost, late May, sowing 1" deep at 9-10" spacing.
Sunflowers Mix (Helianthus annuus)
A phenomenal mix of open pollinated sunflowers, tall and short varieties, singles and doubles, with petal colors ranging from pale yellow to deep maroon.
Growing days: 45-50
Sun: Full sun
Start seeds indoors between mid-April and the fist of May. (4-6 weeks before the last frost), at an optimal 70-75ºF soil temperature. Plant in peat, cow, or paper pots to reduce the stress of transplanting as they grow delicate roots and a bare-root transplanting may be challenging.
Transplant after the last frost, 18-24" apart. Water seedlings regularly until established.
Or, direct sow outdoors after last frost, in late May, sowing 1" deep at 8"-14" spacing.
Zinnia Lilliput Mixed Colors (Zinnia elegans)
This assortment of zinnias have smaller heads and grow 18"-24" tall. They grow well in flower beds and containers and are attractive to bees and birds. The are great for cut flower arrangements. If deadheaded, plants will bloom continuously through summer to frost.
Growing:
Start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant after last frost, spaced 8-12" apart after the last frost. If sowing outside, sow a few seeds every 8-12" when soil is over 70ºF.
